Dinner

Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Name: Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 onion, chopped; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 4 large Roma tomatoes; 1 large red bell pepper; 1 small red onion; 2 scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 1 bouillon cube; Salt to taste

ByRafael Mansero March 19, 2026March 19, 2026

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Introduction

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a flavorful and comforting dish known for its rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. This hearty stew pairs perfectly with rice or plantains, offering a taste of West African home cooking that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

A close-up of a black cast iron pan holding three pieces of grilled chicken with a yellow-brown crispy skin and dark char marks, partially submerged in a bright red, oily, spicy sauce. Next to the chicken, a tall, rounded mound of steamed white rice with slightly separated grains forms the second layer. The pan sits on a white plate atop a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large Roma tomatoes
1 large red bell pepper
1 small red onion
2 scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1 bouillon cube
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onion. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until browned on both sides, then set aside.
Step 3: Blend the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers into a smooth mixture.
Step 4: In the same skillet, fry the tomato paste for 2 minutes to bring out its flavor.
Step 5: Add the blended tomato mixture to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Season the stew with garlic powder, ginger powder, crumbled bouillon cube, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the stew has thickened.
Step 8: Serve the Nigerian Chicken Stew hot, accompanied by white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice for a delicious meal.

Tips & Variations

For milder heat, reduce the scotch bonnet peppers to one or substitute with milder chili peppers.
Adding fresh thyme instead of dried can enhance the herbal notes in the stew.
Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking, but bone-in pieces add more flavor.
Serve with jollof rice for a more traditional Nigerian combination.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. This stew can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.